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The Peace Process

Written by a Faith Builders alumnus who is teaching English in a Muslim majority country.

“U.S. closing Tel Aviv embassy, 13 other Middle East missions over terror threat.” “Suspected US drone kills 7 in Yemen.” Tensions frustrate. Fear dominates. People retaliate. Hatred escalates. Blood seeps into the ground. People cry for peace but are silenced by explosions.

In the remoteness of classrooms people debate philosophies of non-violence and form organizations, some of which hope by the simple statement “I declare World Peace” to change the world. As long as the explosions don’t rattle our windows and blood doesn’t stain our hands we can keep talking and continue to hope for things to get better.

However, if we are Christians, we have an answer to world peace that moves us beyond philosophy. We are followers of the Prince of Peace. We are called to be peacemakers; to have our feet shod with the preparation of the gospel of peace. We cannot be peacemakers by simply refusing to go to war. We must follow our Prince. Which means it is very possible that we may lose our lives in process. Engagement in this peace process comes with a guarantee for success: “Of the increase of His government and peace there will be no end” Isaiah 9:6

How can we follow our Prince into neighborhoods which are trapped by lies and never have heard the gospel of peace? The walls are sometimes high, but we follow our Prince by living in these neighborhoods as He lived: forgiving, loving, praying, blessing, serving and speaking truth. Teaching English is a practical way to gain access to areas that are otherwise closed to foreigners. Language learning by nature is communicative. As communication takes place between teachers and students there are many opportunities to speak truth. Our only hope for peace is introducing our friends to our Prince and His kingdom.